About the Rubery area

Rubery village is in the Bromsgrove District of Worcestershire, whilst part of the village also forms a southern suburb of Birmingham.

The word ‘Rubery’ comes from the old English word ‘rowberry’, meaning ‘a rough hill’, most likely associated due to Rubery’s close proximity to the Lickey Hills beauty spot.

Situated nine miles from Birmingham city centre, Rubery itself has a population of 16,000, and its nearby locations offer a variety of employment opportunities, with a wide selection of shops and entertainment facilities, a business park and schools, plus the regeneration of nearby Longbridge. However, the city of Birmingham, is often where many Rubery inhabitants commute for employment.

Neighbourhoods

Located in a mainly suburban district, the majority of Rubery has been designated to homes and businesses. However, the nearby Lickey Hills offers a green backdrop with nature and tranquillity situated within close distance.

First time buyers are able to find properties throughout the village, with Birmingham Great Park being a popular and modern estate with young couples and families.

Rubery is situated near to Longbridge, Frankley is to the North, and Lickey is to the south. It is essentially divided into two areas, either side of the A38. North of the A38 is primarily residential consisting of a sub-area named Waseley. South of the A38 is the High Street (New Road) where Rubery’s retail activity is concentrated.

To the east, lies the Great Park area of Rubery, which benefits from having numerous amenities and leisure activities, whilst Longbridge is the up and coming neighbourhood in the area with the regeneration of the Austin Rover works. The major development includes residential homes, business and technical parks and retail developments including the largest Marks & Spencer’s in the Midlands.

Sales market comment

Recently, property prices have been positively increasing, with slightly higher prices giving current owners a chance to sell their home and make back the deposit they need for their next home purchase. This increase in prices may also convince buyers who had been on the side lines of whether Rubery was the right location when purchasing a home.

Rubery offers a variety of apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached properties with a mixture of old and new developments throughout each area.

The Lickey Hills, Beacon Hill and Cofton Park areas are considered the more affluent areas, which surround the local golf course.

Lettings market comment

As the demand for private rented property has increased, rental prices have also substantially risen in all areas. The high demand and quick turn-around of most properties allow landlords to hold out for asking prices.

Tenants prefer the neighbourhoods of Rubery, Rednal, Great Park, Longbridge and Frankley. The popularity of these neighbourhoods are due to the number of newer properties and brand new developments as they are low maintenance properties.

Transport

Rubery benefits from having easy access to M5 junction 4, M42 junction 1, and the A38. Through these motorways, residents can easily travel to Birmingham International Airport and National Exhibition Centre, as well as Birmingham city centre and London via the M40.

There is also an extensive network of bus services throughout Rubery and its surrounding areas, with the nearest train station being situated in Longbridge, which runs to Birmingham, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove & Worcester – making it an ideal location for commuters.

Education and schools

Homeowners and rent tenants with children often prioritise living within a catchment area for a particular school. Accordingly, proximity to certain schools impacts the pricing structure of the housing stock. Prices tend to be higher in the affluent, up and coming neighbourhoods.

The best schools in the area are considered to be Holywell Primary & Nursery School, Beaconside First & Middle School, Waseley Hills High School and St James’ Catholic Primary School.